I think it is awesome that you disagree with the last part of my post. I wish I could disagree with it as well. It would be a better, more decent world if this were the case. We should be able to approach people with open arms, kindness, respect, dignity, and forgiveness. But how often in the real world do you see people living according to these virtues? How often do you hear about the horrid acts people do to each other? It is far too easy to believe the worst of people because we are given constant evidence to attest to that. The good in people is hidden and does not get discovered unless you look.

Wasn't it Julius Caesar "The evil that men do lives on after their deaths, whereas the good men do follows them to their grave." ...something like that.

We are going into law. I fully expect to hear more about the dark side of life. I fully expect to see the varied strengths and limitations of our system. A system that, in the past, allowed the organized, and completely legal discrimination, exploitation, and supression of minorities.

Modern American caucasians can easily say, "Well I didn't pass those laws. I didn't vote them into effect. Why am I considered guilty for the sins of my fathers? Why am I being tried for a past that I had nothing to do with, and do not support?"

I feel you. Trust me. It sucks both ways. But would you rather be the hammer or the nail?

Yes, being suspicious of people makes for a life that is far less then what it could be.

When you find people that truly harbor no racist thoughts, that only look for the good in man, that treat others fairly without regard for race, ethnicity, sexual preference, religion, and socio-economic class guard them and cherish them.

The other kind, and their name is legion, we will encounter everyday for the rest of our lives.

A group of Asian teen males in a car that drives by a white man, and they shout "Hey Cracker."

A group of white teen males in a car that drives by a minority, and they shout "epithet of the month."

I'm not saying that minorities cannot be racist. In fact some of the most openly racist people I have know were minorities talking about whites and other minority groups.

But most minorities face racist action from white people. Most of my caucasians friends have even told me that they don't really think about race that much until it comes up. But I can tell you that most minorities think about racial issues constantly.

So Hurley, no I do not think you were racist in that situation. You probably didn't even consider race. But I'll bet you the black guy, getting blown off by the white guy will think of race everytime.

Brave- watch the Tao of Steve to start getting an idea about what I am talking about. It's a decent movie too.

Classic guy movie.

What were the pillars of the Tao of Steve?

1. Move forward with no desire. Women sense sexual motives. 2. Be excellent at something in order to prove your sexual worthiness3. Leave. People are predators and chase that which runs away from them.

I agree with the social utility aspect. Yet, I still have fears, especially as a minority, that I am getting one reaction to my face and perhap an entirely different one when I am not around. I'm sure that I am not the only one who feels this way. I expect people to be racist until proven otherwise. And even then you can never be sure. I doubt that this will ever change.

The Germans may say that they are no longer racist but the fact of the matter is that neo-Nazi party officals continue to hold seats in their Parliament.